CEBU CITY, Philippines -- It may look boring but the long-distance walk race, like any other athletics events, has its beauty and challenges, too.

Incoming Grade 11 student Sep Blessee Placido, a two-time Palarong Pambansa 2000m gold medalist, took the time to explain.

Placido, 16, said the sport is too technical and that it demands mental toughness so as for the competitors not to increase their speed to the point that they're jogging or running already.

"It's super technical. The pressure of the athletes is high because we may be disqualified [if we increase our speed to the point of jogging or running]. It's a very challenging and fun event," said Placido moments after the awarding ceremony on Saturday, July 13.

The Rizal High School standout from Pasig, who timed 10:42.84 in her race on Friday, added:

"The beauty of long-distance walk race is it will really test yourself because you can't be complacent right away because anytime there will always be a chance that you will be overtaken. It really tests our minds and perseverance and our courage in competing.

"I used to play other events but I really find myself excelling here (long-distance walk) and I really enjoy the training."

Placido is overwhelmed to have won her second Palaro gold here in Cebu, defending her title she won in Marikina last year.

"I'm super overwhelmed because the pressure is really high since we were 24 athletes competing from different parts of the country," said Placido.

"My main strategy is to strengthen my mind because all of us have been training hard so the clincher would be our mental toughness."

Placido said offers from UAAP schools like UE, UP, La Salle, and NU have already been brought to her table but she hasn't picked which one to accept yet.

She is keen to leave Rizal for one of the aforementioned schools, though, as she intends to break UAAP records.

"I received a lot of opportunities through this sport. UE, UP, La Salle, and NU [are the schools which are recruiting me]. I have plans to transfer because I seek to break UAAP records."

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